Why do we monitor swimming pools?

Question

why do we monitor

pH levels
temperature levels
chlorine levels
calcium carbonate levels
bacteria levels

and what are the consequences if like the pH level is too acidic?

Answer 1

The best answer is: for public health. Water is one of the most common carrier of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, protozoa, etc. In a pool, bacteria and viruses are the most frequent problems.

To minimize risk, we use chlorine or bromine (sometimes ozone) to kill the microorganisms. Let's stick with chlorine. All sanitizing agents have an optimimum temperature, pH, acidity, etc. to kill best. So by monitoring the free chlorine, pH, temperature, and hardness (calcium chloride), we can tell if the sanitizer is protecting us the best. We then monitor the bacteria count to be sure the chlorine is doing it's job.

We look at coliform bacteria, because they indicate the potential for pathogens being present. E coli o57 h7, Salmonella, Shigella, Hepatitis C.... all can be spread by fecal contamination. Coliform organisms are also found in feces, but are more sturdy, so if they are killed, the pathogens should be as well.

Answer 2

Left to its own fate, a swimming pool will rapidly turn into a scummy green algae-filled bacteria festival. A stinky slimy bubbling lake of puss. A nasty gross disgusting cesspool that would kill you if you dared swim in it.

If its too acidic then it burns your eyes when you swim. If the pH is too low, then the bacteria come and grow.